Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday accepted the early resignation of Murtaza Rakhimov, the longtime leader of the central Russian Volga republic of Bashkortostan.
Critics, including in Bashkortostan, have accused Rakhimov, 76, of corruption and abuse of power, but he has denied all accusations.
If the Bashkir president had not resigned, his tenure would have ended in October 2011. Medvedev awarded Rakhimov with Russia's highest award, the Order of Merit for Service to the Fatherland, first class.
Medvedev praised Rakhimov for his work as president of the republic of 4 million, which he had served since first being elected in December 1993.
"Under your leadership Bashkortostan developed for a long time, and now this is a well-developed republic within the Russian Federation, with a high standard of living," Medvedev said.
Rakhimov pledged to help his republic even after his resignation.
Medvedev appointed 55-year-old Rustem Khamitov, a top manager of Russian hydroelectricity company RusHydro, as acting Bashkir president until a new head of the region is approved.
SOCHI, July 15 (RIA Novosti)
